Germany calls for EU tariffs on Chinese hybrid cars
Berlin is pushing Brussels to expand trade defences and target Chinese hybrid vehicles to protect the country's struggling carmakers amid surging competition.
Berlin: Germany calls for EU tariffs on Chinese hybrid cars as Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil urges Brussels to adopt a robust stance against unfair trade practices to protect struggling domestic manufacturers.
Speaking after a high-profile visit to Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Klingbeil stressed that Europe can no longer afford to remain naive amid severe industry disruptions.
Europe's largest automotive economy faces mounting pressure, with 10-brand Volkswagen planning up to 100,000 job cuts in coming years, while prominent competitors like Mercedes-Benz and BMW also face significant downsizing.
Berlin is actively pushing for concrete Brussels-led measures, specifically advocating for the extension of existing electric vehicle levies to cover imported plug-in hybrid cars alongside strict local content requirements.
Volkswagen supervisory board head and prominent staff representative Daniela Cavallo strongly echoed these urgent concerns, highlighting the intensely unfair market competition facing European producers today.
This political momentum builds directly ahead of nationwide demonstrations organized by Germany's powerful IG Metall union outside manufacturing plants and suppliers.
Workers, local politicians, and leaders are demanding that Berlin adopt a far more aggressive approach to safeguard the vital future of the domestic auto industry.
